Mariana Lares, a fifth grader at Venus Elementary School, is the 1st place winner this year in the Texas Water Utilities Association annual poster contest.

The theme of the poster contest this year was “The Texas Water Cycle – From Parched to Plenty.” Her entry illustrated the impact of the extremes of Texas weather experienced in recent years that impact water conditions in the state – drought and rain - without a word.

Lares, shown here holding her entry, was presented with a 1st place ribbon and a $200 prize during a school assembly on April 8, 2016 by representatives of the Texas Water Utilities Association, Karen Siddall from Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District (right of Mariana) and David Bailey, director of Waxahachie Water Utilities (far right). Also present for the award ceremony were her mother, sister (both left of Mariana), and teacher, Mr. Greg Brister (behind and to the right).

This is the second of Mr. Brister's students to win the state poster contest.

Congratulations to Mariana and Mr. Brister! Well done!